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Show ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN 10 October 1854-Sisters Julia and Henrietta started with Bro. Foote to attend conference. Sister H. returned [with] the wife of Bro. Love and Sister Julia took up her abode to Bro. Bryan's. And Bro. and Sister Broadhead, having previously left the house I found myself relieved of much company and the feeling of having much to do and my little girl quite poorly, I had to shoulder the burden with the assistance of Mary Anne Scriggens who added considerably to my cares. About this time the Presidency passed through on their way to San Pete and to my surprise they were not long in the Fort till they honored me with a call. I was quite unprepared to entertain them but I went at it and soon provided a supper. Brother Brigham and his wife Emily Partridge ate supper to Bro. Bigler's but came over immediately after, remained for the evening and lodged over night and ate breakfast next morning. Bros. Kimball, Grant and others ate supper and breakfast and on their return from San Pete had the pleasure of entertaining the same company.1 'Brigham Young's party left Salt Lake City on October 10, 1854, to investigate the "unwise conduct of some foolish Indians in Utah, Juab, and San Pete counties" and to talk with those involved. "The notorious Washear, or Squash-head," promised to amend his behavior and was given a blanket by Young. See Deseret News, October 19 and 26, 1854. Young's skill as a diplomat is revealed in Martha's account of this visit. The president and his wife dined with Jacob G. Bigler, bishop and successor to Heywood in the office of president, and then returned to the Heywood household. 106 ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN Immediately after, Mr. Heywood on his way to Iron Co. accompanied by Judge Stiles and others tarried one night as also on his return.2 The first night of the Presidency stay there was a meeting in which Brothers Kimball, Grant, Orson Hyde, preached to the people in reference to their recent movement of petitioning their president out and electing another in his place but the preaching was not understood by those who took part in the celebrated movement. Commenced school second Monday in December with about twenty scholars which I found to be of much benefit to me as the activity of the operation and its responsibility prevented lonesome-ness that otherwise would have been disagreeable. Just at this time Mary Anne Scriggens left me which I realized to be a great blessing tho I endeavored to have her father leave her longer for the benefit of schooling but he would not and it seemed as if the Lord had said "I had borne enough." A curious circumstance occured as touching a letter which was very lengthy relating to local matters of this place that I particularly wished to be private in our family, and given by me to Bro. Love, as I thought on his way to the city; but going no further than Dry Creek he passed it to Bro. Wright. It was found on the public road by Cottonwood by Bro. Stout who was journeying in company with Mr. Heywood on their trip South to Iron County and happened to leave the carriage for a walk and thereby found the letter.3 On the last day of November, and two following days, the people of Nephi celebrated the completion of this city, tho that completion was yet in an incipiant state and voted the same celebration to be held annually in room of the former annual feast instituted by their former President, J. L. Heywood, to celebrate the first starting of the surveying of Salt Creek, the first step in embryo of building up the city Nephi.4 2 George P. Stiles succeeded Zerubbabel Snow as associate justice of the territory on August 1, 1854. The judicial party consisted of Stiles, Heywood, and Hosea Stout, U. S. attorney pro tem, and a posse of seventeen for protection through Indian country. There was little business for the U.S. Third District Court at Parowan to conduct, although twenty-five persons were sworn in as citizens. See Tullidge, History of Salt Lake City, p. 95, and Deseret News, January 4, 1855. The trip is also described in Brooks, On the Mormon Frontier, under November 9, 1854, and succeeding entries. 3 A classic example of the hazards of sending mail by private hands. 4 The immediate occasion of celebration was the completion of the disputed wall The gates were hung and locked on the night of November 18, and November 30 and December 1 and 2 were appointed for feasting, music, speeches, toasts, and dancing. One account says that most of the citizens were rebaptized 107 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD Dancing, school, weekly calls, feasting and visiting continued all winter with an unsparing hand, as also an unusual liveliness in religious devotion in the public meetings, illustrating the joy and satisfaction taken by the people in the change wrought of the presidency of Nephi and a few isolated speeches descriptive that tyranny was at an end and the brethren rejoiced in their freedom. Mr. Heywood started from his home in the city, May 16th, for Carson Valley and California5 and previously made a trip to this place in his official character as U. S. Marshall of the Territory and disbursed some thousands of dollars in ready cash among the people relative to the U. S. Court held here by Judge Kinny and U. S. Attorney Holman, the most important case being the trial of the Indians for the murders of Gunnison and party-Coin. Steptoe, his officers and soldiers being also here to assist.6 Just previous to the breaking up of the court and while liquor was plenty, there was a debauch celebrated by some of the Gentile exquisites of both parties, to wit-military and judicial. The subjects were some squaws who were known by their lawful owner to have the power of transmitting disease to the said exquisites and the circumstance boasted of by the Indian (who was Amnion) all over the settlement. During the time of court my little Nealy was very sick with fever. I had Doctor Hunt attend him who gave him some Calomel- that his fever, which had [been] on him for three weeks previous and could not [be] affect[ed] with anything I could give him. May, the first part, of 1855-Had the pleasure of entertaining Bro. Brigham and such, on their way South. Brigham had his wife for their sins prior to the celebration. See the letters of "Philomen" and Jacob G. Bigler in the Deseret News of November 30, 1854, and January 18, 1855. 5 Heywood, Judge George P. Stiles, and Orson Hyde, on orders from the territorial assembly of 1854-55, were sent to Carson Valley to establish the boundary between Utah Territory and California. See Tullidge, History of Salt Lake City, p. 113. ° Capt. John W. Gunnison and seven of his party were killed by Indians on October 26, 1853, while camped on the Sevier River to survey a proposed route for the transcontinental railroad. The following spring Col. Edward Jenner Steptoe and a detachment of three hundred were sent to Utah to investigate the massacre. The trial of the three indicted Indians surrendered by Kanosh began in Nephi on March 21, 1855, under Chief Justice John F. Kinney. Joseph Hollman was prosecuting attorney and Almon W. Babbitt counsel for the defense. Jacob G. Bigler was jury foreman, and other settlers from Nephi and nearby towns served on the jury. Martha's description of the intemperate drinking and other questionable activities of soldiers and court officers is echoed by other eyewitnessnes. An excellent treatment of the subject is found in David Henry Miller, "The Impact of the Gunnison Massacre on Mormon-Federal Relations: Colonel Edward Jenner Steptoe's Command in Utah Territory, 1854-1855" (M. A. thesis, University of Utah, 1968). 108 ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN Zina Huntington. Enjoyed the pleasure of her society very much. Bro. Kimball, his wives, Christiana and Anna.7 Brother Brigham again gave me the pleasure of waiting on their return from the south, eating supper with me and passing along to camp at the twelve mile springs and also giving me the invitation to follow them up and journey with them to the city as previously intimated, 8 which I did, starting from this place about four o'clock Saturday morning and joining in with the company to breakfast at Petit Neet, house of B. F. Johnson, and arriving Sunday morning in Salt Lake City between eight and nine o'clock to breakfast, a distance of 92 miles.9 Found the Heywood family all well and glad to see me. The rapid travelling, exposure to the night air and excitement previous to starting conspired to weaken my system so that I felt very poorly for a week or two after I arrived but my children were uncommonly well. Mrs. Heywood kind and affectionate and the whole family attending to my wants made me a very pleasant visit of about two months in Salt Lake City when I made a business of visiting and seeing my friends. Before I left the city I imparted the rudimental ideas of hat trimming to Mrs. Heywood and Mary, also Sister Anna Ivans, to be improved upon at a future period. The hatting business is on a fair way to prosper as the person whom Mr. Heywood has given it to, Brother Merrill, seems to all appearances judicious and capable to carry it on. His sister (wife of Orson Pratt) has done the trimming heretofore but now it will be done by our folks.10 7 Probably Christeen Golden and Ann Gheen. 8 Brigham Young and party had left Salt Lake City on May 8 to visit the southern settlements and talk with Indians along the way. In the group were Garland Hurt, Indian agent, and interpreter D. B. Huntington. Dr. Samuel Sprague found the settlers in generally excellent health and was able to help the ailing Kanosh with some medicine. Another member of the party, Judge J. F. Kinney had come to "inspect the road made on contract with Col. Steptoe." According to Daniel Mackintosh, all was not business: Wilford Woodruff "has enjoyed himself along, angling; at which he exhibits much skill and patience. It is but fair to say he duly paid his tithing of two fish to Prests. Young and Kimball, to-day." A large seam of coal was inspected in Sanpete County, and Young learned enough of the problems of producing iron to reassure himself that the Iron Mission brethren were not lax in their work. Upon his return to Salt Lake City, the church president praised the value of families taking excursions together for their health and good cheer. He invited all who were able to go "without interfering with their business" to accompany him on his visits to the settlements. See Deseret News, May 9, 23, 30, 1855. 9 How exciting to travel the ninety-two miles in less than thirty hours! 10 During her time in Salt Lake City Martha laid the foundation for a good hat-manufacturing business by training some of the family in the basics of producing and trimming ladies' hats. 109 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD Returned to Nephi by stage. One in the company was G. A. Smith whose society I enjoyed much, staying to his house in Provo and continued our travel to Petit Neat and as usual stopped to Benjamin Johnson's. July 20th-Friday-On my returning I found my house and its contents all safe but very full of dust. Spent next day cleaning and putting to rights and in so doing I realized a remarkable improvement in my physical strength. And as I had predetermined to keep a select school I gave it out accordingly. I found that several of the scholars I had depended on were signed to Bro. Love, he having gone round the settlement the day previous to my getting here.11 There were a few who urged me to commence my school and I did so the following Monday morning with 17 scholars but could easily sense the general opposition to my doing so. Soon after my return I was made acquainted with the determined opposition to Bro. Meeks by his brethren of the Seventies to his being their President.12 They seemed to loathe the man with perfect disgust and in consequence got up a petition against him charging him with many things that I felt he was innocent of. Brethren Bigler, Kendall and Wm. Holden took the petition to the city with a view of presenting it to President Brigham Young. But according to the report given by Bro. Bigler to [a] public congregation in this place he felt as if he could not present it to him at least without first seeing Brother Joseph Young.13 So they went to Joseph and accordingly to their united testimony Bro. Joseph gave them to understand that the reason he ordained Bro. Meeks was because Bro. Heywood had dogged them to it-that Bro. Wolf or Bro. Hatch would have been his choice.14 I attended the meeting and was taken somewhat by surprise in hearing the remarks of the brethren not only condemning Mr. Heywood but slurring his character in any spirit but that of righteousness, proving him to be a liar by the remarks of Joseph Young and Bro. Foote added his testimony by saying that Mr. Heywood was in a Gentile office and acted in the spirit of a Gentile officer. 11 Andrew Love and the other Clover Creek (Mona) residents had moved to Nephi during the Walker War. See McCune, History of Juab County, p. 138. 12 William Meeks. 13 Joseph Young, an elder brother of Brigham, was one of the first seven presidents of seventies, serving from 1835 to 1881. He traveled and preached extensively throughout the territory. See Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:187-88. 11 John A. Woolf had been acting president of the seventies at Nephi the previous year. See Deseret News, April 13, 1854. 110 ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN Brother Meeks was up before the people to be tried for his conduct and after the whole day was consumed in the investigation he was cut off from this branch, the leading charge was for keeping company with the disaffected-not bringing up his children properly, being idle, etc. etc. Bro. Jermiah Hatch was likewise before the but confessed to anything they brought up that thereby he might not be cut off.15 Brethren Joseph Young, Horace Eldrich, Rockwood, came here to visit the seventies and to preach the gospel, not only to them but to the people and in addition to right up some things that were crooked.16 To my inexpressible satisfaction they-[a pencil line has been run through this]-they called on me and on my inviting them consented to make it their home while they stayed with the exception of Bro. Rockwood who put up with the Bishop. An interesting circumstance occured while I was simply conversing with Bros. Young and Eldridge, referring to the trial I passed through while hearing my husband proved a liar in the public congregation and that said to be on the testimony of what he, Bro. Young, said to the Bishop and George Kendall. Bro. Young at once denied saying that Bro. Heywood never influenced him in the matter of appointing Bro. Meeks and as he was talking on the subject he . On Friday, he, Mr. Heywood arrived here, November 6th, by horseback, being the first time I had seen him since his trip down here in March, being an absence of eight months.17 On Sunday he preached in the school house in the spirit of his office as Missionary and this being the first time he presented himself before the people since previous to his rejection by them as their President. I noticed the moral atmosphere and my observations convinced me that tbe feelings were below par towards him.18 Brother T. D. Brown,19 being likewise one of the appointed missionaries, was of much assistance to Mr. Heywood in attempting 35 Martha seemed skeptical of Hatch's "confession." 16 Horace S. Eldredge and Albert P. Rockwood were both presidents of seventies, Eldredge serving in that capacity from 1854 to 1888 and Rockwood from 1845 to 1879. See Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:194-97. The crisis at Nephi must have been acute for three of the seven presidents of seventies to converge on the town. " Heywood's "Gentile" duties as U. S. marshal kept him from Nephi for long periods, a fact that may have helped to undercut his position there. 18 Heywood needed some courage to face the congregation that had rejected him, and Martha recognized that he was still not completely accepted. 19 Brown was one of a large company of missionaries to the Indians in the southern part of the territory. Their headquarters was in the vicinity of Harmony 111 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD the task and but for him [he] would not have braved it as I had reason to think he took some cold on his journey here and a little more the night previous in bathing. My own health was poorly as also Sarepta was, suffering from a severe cold which quite prostrated her and made her feel rather peevish which caused her father to speak unkindly to her which was hurtful to my feeling, so that the three days he spent here were not quite as agreeable as I could wish and that after so long an absence. December 24th-Received by George Spencer a letter from Mrs. Heywood informing me of Mr. H.'s poor health and also of his displeasure towards me in reference to my going ahead with work contrary to his instructions and also the spirit of writing, which has troubled me so seriously that all other trials and troubles seems but trifling.20 I have set my heart on attending more strictly to family directions. A desire to effect my children while young has sharpened my apprehension of this duty but I cannot but realize how much I have suffered perplexity and petty trials for weeks past and often try to account for the reason. I rejoiced in the thought of Mr. H.'s getting Susan Sherman to come down to spend the winter with me and loved the girl and do love her yet, but my trial with her commenced before she was with me a week and I have faithfully tried to curb my temper and avoid scolding. And the making an extra effort to accomplish some work this winter has put me about considerable with my poor health. But I realize it is but another link of the chain and the result of my oft meditation is that it is one of the many means necessary for my future exaltation and provided by a kind providence. My little daughter has quite recovered and both children are in apparent good health and very interesting and to me they are truly the bright spot of many a clouded season. January 1st, 1856-Washed all day to commence the New Year. Susan Sherman who has been on a visit with me for the last two or three weeks has been quite a trial to me, so determined to follow her disposition to run all the time. Lizzy Meeks left me last Friday and I have concluded not to have her any more as her mother and took in the area south to the Santa Clara. Brown's journal is most eloquent of the life and culture of these Indians. See Juanita Brooks, ed., Journal of the Southern Indian Mission: Diary of Thomas D. Brown (Logan: Utah State University Press, 1972). 20 Martha was very sensitive to criticism from her husband. 112 ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN is determined to frustrate all the good I try to do her. During the last few weeks I have suffered in my mind exceedingly and believe it to be one of those trials "That must and will arise to every human breast." And if I have but grace not to sin the unpardonable sin I can lay hold of the anchor of hope and hold on till the storm is over. May God of his infinite love have mercy on my weakness and give me strength according to my day. January 3rd-Thursday-This morning Sister Wright came to borrow the lounge for the convenience of Bro. Wright who cut his foot on the morning of the first of New Year's day while chopping wood. As Susan had slept on it I felt much hesitancy in loaning it but Sister Wright so overrulled this objection by arranging with Susan to sleep with her that I was obliged to refer the matter to Susan and of course the lounge was taken for Bro. Wright's accommodation and I could not regret it as he suffered keenly though I was afterwards censored by Mr. Heywood for letting it go; he considering that Susan might take advantage of my doing so for leaving the house, which she did that day. Mr. and Mrs. Heywood arrived on their way to Fillmore with a large amount of judicial officers, attendants, etc., as also Bro. Babbitt.21 I was glad he came just at this time on Susan's account. He preached in the school house in the evening and also some of the home missionary brethren. Mr. and Mrs. Heywood tarried next day as also the whole company who were quartered round to different places. They all started next morning on route to Fillmore after preparing abundantly for their camping arrangements. This flying call of Mr. H.'s was of considerable comfort to me, and I at once (when he arrived, which was unexpected) made up my mind to make the most of the interview to make right little things that had the appearance of being wrong which I believed was in a measure explained away.22 January 19, 1856-Brother Brigham and Legislative Company passed through on their way home to the city. Arrived here about 21 The supreme court was scheduled to begin its session in Fillmore on Monday, January 7, 1856. Since the court officers arrived in Nephi on a Thursday, a day of fasting for the town, they were served "a nice dish of sucketash in the evening. . . ." See Erastus Snow's letter in the Deseret News of January 23, 1856. 22 Keenly conscious of her husband's coolness and criticisms, Martha was always on the defensive. 113 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD ten and tarried about three hours. Bros. Brigham, Kimball, their wives and others connected with them ate breakfast to my preparing. Just as they drove off Mr. and Mrs. Heywood and company arrived. They stayed over night.23 I had a pleasant interview with them. Mr. H. left sundry directions with me, refering to my leaving here to reside in the city for a season. His health seemed much improved since he left here two weeks previous. After my husband and his wife Sarepta left me, I felt a spirit of peace that I enjoyed to my hearts content and a desire and determination to rise above the petty circumstances that were continually bearing upon my mind. I also felt, at times, agreeable at the thought of removing to the city for a season. I set myself to get some sewing done and felt a pleasure in it. I even fancied or felt a pleasure, or a spirit that many of the people who appeared so unfriendly to me were repenting of it. Bro. Bigler's wife Amy, has been very sick indeed but after taking an Emmetic she recovered very fast and during her state of convalescence I had an opportunity of showing my good feelings towards her. Bro. Wolf's little boy William was taken sick with what appeared to me to be the measles but Bro. Bryan called it Scarlet Fever. About this time I was much tried on the subject of breaking up housekeeping in Nephi and taking my furniture to the City to keep house there. I made some faint endeavors to overcome my reluctance and in a measure became reconciled but not perfectly. Mary Gustin called in on her return from the city giving me a verbal message from Mrs. H. that if my children were taken with the measles to give them Saffron tea or bran water. Learned from her Joseph came as far as Provo and did not send me one single word which hurt my feelings and taught me to think that I was not much cared for; Mary having stayed three days in the house and journeyed with him to Provo. I felt there was no possible reason but he might have sent me a few lines, not having but one letter from him during the whole winter and that one when he was in Filmore. I try to recognize the hand of the Lord in all of this for the perfecting of my character but as Paul says, "Afflictions for the present are grievous but afterwards they yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them who are excerted thereby." And to know how lavish he has been all this winter, and so stringent towards me and my health so poorly 23 Brigham Young's party arrived back in Salt Lake City on January 21 and the court party on the following day. See Deseret News, January 23, 1856. 114 ANOTHER LINK OF THE CHAIN all winter is a trial for a woman that has so little stamina as I have got.24 I would I could overcome my own weakness and enjoy the blessings I do possess and let the rest go for naught. 24 Martha had been on her own most of the time in Nephi, making, hats A t M S for a living in a community that was sharply divided in its feelings " w a r f h e r ^ b ^ d S L bitterness at Joseph's apparent neglect is understand-able. 115 |
